Roofing Installation Articles

#38 – Overlapping Metal Roofing Panels vs. Interlocking Metal Roofing Panels

May 3, 2017

There are metal roofing panels that simply overlap on the vertical and/or horizontal seams, and metal roofing panels that actually interlock wherever they connect. There are obvious benefits to fully interlocking panels. Those benefits typically include increased wind resistance and less chance of weather infiltrating the roof system. Over time, with overlapping panels, ice, snow,… ( read more )

#37 – Fasteners and Metal Roofing

When investigating a metal roof for your home, you’re likely to hear about exposed fasteners and concealed fasteners. The terms are self-explanatory, but which is better? Some metal roofs are designed so that all of the screw heads are exposed. They are visible and exposed to the weather. Other products are designed with concealed fastening… ( read more )

#33 – Chimneys and Metal Roofing

April 26, 2017

One of the positive benefits of a properly installed metal roof is that it will be flashed in order to be watertight against roof penetrations such as chimneys, skylights, and dormers. Shorter term roofing systems are often just sealed in those areas, with the assumption that the sealant will last as long as the roofing… ( read more )

#31 – Should a metal roof be installed over battens?

We are frequently asked if a metal roof should be installed on battens or direct to the roof deck. By design, some metal roofs must be installed over battens, some must never be installed over battens, and some can be installed over battens or over solid decking. So first and foremost, it’s critical to choose… ( read more )

Is OSB Acceptable as Roof Decking for Metal Roofing?

April 3, 2017

Oriented Strand Board, commonly referred to as OSB, is a type of engineered lumber similar to particle board, formed by adding adhesives and then compressing layers of wood strands. OSB is widely used as roof decking material. A homeowner recently wrote and asked me the following regarding OSB roof decking: Q. We are checking into a metal roof and we have a question… ( read more )

#29 – Skylights on Metal Roofing

March 31, 2017

Normal types of protrusions through the roof such as skylights and chimneys do not pose a problem for metal roofs. They need to be flashed and detailed properly and quality metal roofing manufacturers will have instructions to help installers with that. Skylights must be curbed, not flush-mounted with any metal roof. If there are existing… ( read more )